How are inflammatory markers associated with the incidence of stroke? Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi May 8, 2024 at 12:30:00 PM Framingham Heart Study, Stroke, Research findings The study focused on the association between a network of circulating inflammatory molecules centered on the cytokine interleukin-18 (IL-18) and cerebral small vessel disease, which is linked to stroke risk. The researchers used baseline measurements of serum levels of various inflammatory markers from the Framingham Offspring Cohort to create an inflammatory composite score (ICS5). They then analyzed the association of ICS5 with incident stroke , brain imaging features, and cognitive testing performance. The study found a significant association between ICS5 and increased risk for incident all-cause stroke and ischemic stroke in the cohort. There was also an association between ICS5 and the Framingham Stroke Risk Profile score. Additionally, ICS5 showed an inverse association with global cognitive score but no association with magnetic resonance imaging metrics of cerebral small vessel disease. The study concludes that circulating inflammatory biomarkers centered on IL-18 are associated with an increased risk of stroke and cognitive impairment among the Framingham Offspring Cohort. Click here to read more. Previous Next

H5N1 Avian Flu detected in a pet dog in Canada Content Editor: Dr. Purnoor Kaur April 14, 2023 at 3:19:42 PM Outbreaks First dog infection in the country with H5N1 avian influenza, clade 2.3.4.4b. The case is detected on 1st April in Oshawa, Ontario. The dog died after falling sick after eating a dead goose. Necropsy revealed the involvement of the Respiratory system. Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Public Health Agency confirmed the details. They told that the prevalence of H5N1 infection outside avian species is very low. Isolated reports of H5N1 infection in farm dogs and cats are present in some countries including Thailand, during 2005 and 2006 H5N1 avian outbreaks in Asia. Pet owners are advised to not feed raw meat from game birds or poultry and prevent accidental consumption. Previous Next

Flesh-eating bacteria on the rise in Japan: What is STSS? Flesh-eating bacteria on the rise in Japan: What is STSS? Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi Aggarwal July 3, 2024 Social trends Streptococcal infection, disease outbreak, Surveillance The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that streptococcal toxic shock syndrome is a serious condition presenting with symptoms of fever, chills, muscle pains, nausea, and vomiting. Group A Streptococcus bacteria cause the illness, which spreads into the blood and deep tissues. The condition commonly affects those over 65, with the following factors increasing the risk: Diabetes Alcohol consumption open wounds or sores Cases of highly fatal STSS have reached record levels in Japan, with more than 1000 cases and 97 deaths reported as of mid-June. Approximately 30% of those affected are expected to develop serious complications and die. The cause of the outbreak is unspecified. However, the Japan Health Ministry has hypothesized that the increase may have resulted from laxer coronavirus controls. Further epidemiological investigation will help delineate the source and contain the outbreak. Preventive measures taken include awareness about cough etiquette and hand hygiene.

The report by Integrating Diabetes in Prevention in Workplaces (INDIA-WORKS) Content Editor: Dr. Sumana Mukhopadhyay August 24, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Non-communicable diseases, Diabetes According to the INDIA-WORKS report, healthy measures at the workplace can help employees reduce their blood sugar levels, lose weight, and maintain their blood pressure levels. This report was conducted in collaboration with Emory and Harvard Universities by PHFI (Public Health Foundation of India) and MDRF( Madras Diabetes Research Foundation). Around 547 of the 2,108 individuals achieved a normal HbA1c level (<5.7%) by- A structured lifestyle modification program Improved food quality that encourages healthy food choices in workplace canteens Higher physical activity levels Despite the effects of COVID-19, the levels have remained consistent for the last two years. The INDIA-WORKS study measured critical factors such as: HbA1c Waist circumference Blood pressure Blood cholesterol Weight Obesity was identified in 9/10 participants in the study, indicating a significant risk of acquiring diabetes and hypertension. The study's goal was to build healthier workplaces and show how initiatives can prevent disease among workers through long-term lifestyle changes. Previous Next

A Leap to Clean India Content Editor: Akhila Nandan August 23, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Public health laws and regulations, Sanitation, WASH Swach Bharath Mission, launched on October 2014, plays a pivotal role in ‘dusting up’ India. It also aims to make India ‘Open Defecation Free’. It mainly pushes ODF sustainability and Solid Liquid Waste Management , which is being worked currently under phase 2 of SBM-Grameen campaign. Of all the states, Telangana bagged the first place in achieving 100% ODF villages (12,769 villages- Solid waste management and 11,998 villages- Liquid waste management). Telangana has also revolutionised this campaign by constructing Latrines (over 31.20 lakhs) Waste collection and Segregation sheds (almost 14,927) Community Sanitary Complexes ( over 6588) Previous Next

Fresh faces: WHO's new regional directors take the lead Content Editor: Dr Sakshi Aggarwal February 1, 2024 at 1:30:00 PM World Health Organisation, Leadership Dr. Hanan Hassan Balkhy , who will serve as Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office in Cairo, Egypt is a pediatrician from the USA with an experience of over 20 years in leading various public health initiatives like Antimicrobial Resistance, Infection Prevention and Control, etc. Ms. Saima Wazed , who will serve as Regional Director for the South-East Asia Regional Office in New Delhi , India, holds a degree in clinical psychology and has diverse experience in the field of mental health and other neurodevelopmental disorders . Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala , who will serve as Regional Director for the Western Pacific Regional Office in Manila, Philippines , is a politician, public health leader, and surgeon with nearly 30 years of experience. All the newly appointed directors will start their tenure on 1 February 2024 and serve for a five-year long term. Previous Next

Public Health Daily News Snippets WHO Bulletin Releases Special Edition on Traditional Medicine Ahead of Global Summit The WHO Bulletin published its first special issue on traditional medicine since 1977, featuring research and policy analyses. This release precedes the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine scheduled for December 2025 in New Delhi. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Global Health, Traditional Medicine Integration Read More Global Summit in Geneva Intensified Efforts to Curb Toxic Mercury Pollution A major international conference was held in Geneva from 3rd to 7th November 2025 to strengthen the global fight against mercury pollution . Delegates collaborated to accelerate the phase-out of this toxic metal from products and industrial processes, aiming to protect human health and the environment. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : United Nations Environmental Health, International Policy Read More Fitness & Nation-Building: Insights from the National Fitness & Wellness Conclave 2025 The first-ever National Fitness & Wellness Conclave 2025 in Mumbai brought together policymakers, athletes, and industry leaders to reaffirm one message: India’s progress towards becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047 depends on how seriously we take fitness today. With icons from sports and cinema joining the conversation, the conclave highlighted fitness as both a cultural shift and a public health necessity. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fit India Movement, Physical Activity, Non-Communicable Diseases, Viksit Bharat Read More Global Evidence Review of the Inequality- Pandemic Cycle: UNAIDS report The UNAIDS established the “Global Council on Inequality, AIDS and Pandemic ” in 2023. Its report “Breaking the inequality-pandemic cycle ” released in November 2025 is based on evidence from more than 1500 peer-reviewed literature and reports from government agencies and research institutions across multiple pandemics and its own empirical studies over the past 2 years. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), 2025 Pandemic preparedness, Social inequality, Global Health Read More Decomposition Analysis of Factors Driving Global Maternal Mortality Reduction A new Lancet Global Health paper highlights evidence that combining family planning with quality maternity services has driven a 41% global decline in maternal deaths since 2000. The study shows how contraception alone prevented more than 77,000 maternal deaths in 2023. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : The Lancet Global Health Maternal Health, Reproductive & Sexual Health, Gender Equality, Family Planning, Declining Global Maternal Mortality Read More Delhi’s Air Quality Sees Noticeable Improvement: CAQM 2025 Report The 2025 update from the C ommission for A ir Q uality M anagement (CAQM ) highlights significant enhancements in Delhi's air quality and a marked reduction in stubble-burning incidents in nearby states. The report offers data-backed evidence of collaborative efforts to reduce pollution through the use of cleaner fuels, improved waste management, and more stringent regulatory measures. Published on : Tuesday, November 18, 2025 Source : Press Information Bureau, New Delhi Air Pollution, Environmental Health, Public Health Policy Read More Genomic Collaboration for a Safer Future: India and Italy Unite for Pandemic Preparedness The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) round table in New Delhi emphasized the power of genomic research and collaboration in strengthening pandemic preparedness. Experts called for sustained global surveillance and rapid translation of genomic data to safeguard public health. Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Source : Press Information Bureau, New Delhi Genomic Surveillance, Pandemic Readiness Read More WHO Unveils Global Agenda to Strengthen Paediatric Clinical Trials The World Health Organization has unveiled a new global research agenda to close gaps in evidence on child health. It prioritizes equitable, high-impact paediatric trials to ensure that treatments for children are safe, effective, and grounded in sound science. Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Health Research, Pediatric Health, Clinical Trials Read More WHO refutes Tylenol-Autism Link: Urges Evidence-Based Care A statement by the current US President, which linked Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism, prompted an immediate response from the World Health Organization. The WHO clarified that no scientific evidence supports this claim and urged reliance on medical guidance. Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Maternal and Child Health, Health Communication, Global Health Governance Read More 2025 Lancet Countdown Report on Climate Change and Health Impacts of climate inaction have led to a 23% increase in heat-related deaths since the 1990s. Food insecurity affected 124 million more people due to extreme weather in 2023, with losses reaching $1.35 trillion. Addressing climate change has prevented 160,000 premature deaths from coal pollution and supported 16 million jobs in renewable energy. With COP30 ahead, WHO, along with member states, plans to emphasize climate action and a swift transition away from fossil fuels. Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Climate change, food insecurity, Sustainability Read More WHO Introduces New Global Framework to Enhance National Health Emergency Response The World Health Organization has unveiled a new global guide, the National Health Emergency Alert and Response Framework, to bolster countries' readiness for health crises. Developed from lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, it provides a standardized approach for managing emergencies. Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Global Health Security, Emergency Preparedness Read More Training Modules to Strengthen Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Response in India The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has introduced three specialized training modules to enhance India’s capacity for managing chemical emergencies. This initiative aims to build a skilled, coordinated response system across healthcare and disaster management sectors. Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Source : PIB Delhi Chemical Emergencies Preparedness, IHR, Disaster management Read More Daily News Snippets Monthly Archives 01-10 February, 2024 View More 14-20 January, 2024 View More 19-25th November, 2024 (26) View More 23-31stOctober, 2023 (18) View More 28-31 January, 2024 View More 7-13 January, 2024 View More 5-11th November, 2023 (5) View More 15-21st October, 2023 (12) View More 21-27 January, 2024 View More 26-30th November, 2024 (20) View More 01-04th November, 2023(4) View More 08-14th October, 2023 (5) View More March 27 - 31, 2023 (15) View More March 6 - 12, 2023 (24) View More February 23 - 25, 2023 (3) View More February 15 - 16, 2023 (8) View More March 20 - 25, 2023 (18) View More March 1 - 5, 2023 (8) View More February 20 - 22, 2023 (2) View More February 07 - 14, 2023 (5) View More March 13 - 18, 2023 (8) View More February 26 - 28, 2023 (15) View More February 17 - 19, 2023 (3) View More February 01 - 06, 2023 (5) View More Subscribe to get Latest Public Health Updates SUBSCRIBE

Guide on "Gender-Inclusive Communication" launched by United Nations in New Delhi. Content Editor: Akhila Nandan December 11, 2023 at 4:00:00 PM Gender equality, UN Women, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation In collaboration with UN WOMEN and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA ) has launched the ‘Guide on Gender-Inclusive Communication’ in New Delhi on 28th November. This "Guide on Gender-Inclusive Communication" majorly aims to : Guide daily communication keeping in mind the principles of gender neutrality and inclusivity. Carve the positive impact of language in the society. Dr. Munjapara Mahendrabhai, Minister of State, WCD highlighted the imperative role this guide would play in the proper implementation of gender equality and female leadership . Smt. Smrithi Irani during the launch added the importance of promoting the gender-inclusive language which shall be adorned by the implementation of this guide and that the copies shall soon be made available in all the regional domains of language. Previous Next

WHO report: 2.6 million annual deaths due to alcohol consumption Content Editor: Dr. Manjeet July 20, 2024 at 2:00:00 PM Substance abuse, Alcohol, Lifestyle The WHO’s latest report underscores the severe public health impact of alcohol and drug use. In 2019, 2.6 million deaths were attributed to alcohol, predominantly among men. The report reveals that 400 million people globally suffer from alcohol use disorders. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the urgent need for actions to reduce alcohol consumption and enhance substance use disorder treatments. Despite slight decreases in alcohol consumption, death rates remain high, especially in low-income countries. The report calls for global efforts to meet SDG target 3.5 by 2030, focusing on prevention , treatment accessibility, and reducing the stigma around substance use disorders. Effective measures include advocacy campaigns, healthcare professional training, and resource mobilization. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Breakthrough wound care: AIIMS Delhi's innovative healing device Content Editor: Dr.KH Reddy February 9, 2024 at 3:15:00 PM Health and Technology, Health Research The latest among Indian innovations in healthcare is a cost-effective simple device that uses a combination of negative pressure wound therapy and oxygen delivery to enhance wound healing in trauma and burn victims. This device has shown promising results in a couple of trials and succeeded in reducing average wound healing time from 30 days to a mere 7-10 days. Notable features of this device include : Reduction of wound exudate and edema from the wound Reduction of wound infections and maintaining vascularity at the site Maintaining temperature pressure and moisture at a level favorable for wound healing . Previous Next